The Canadian Dental Association Magazine 2026 • Volume 13 • Issue 3 PM40064661 Dr. Kirk Preston of Fredericton, New Brunswick New CDA President Page 8
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About CDA Founded in 1902, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization whose corporate members are Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations. CDA represents over 21,000 practising dentists nationwide and is a trusted brand and source of information for and about the dental profession on national and international issues. is the official print publication of CDA, providing dialogue between the national association and the dental community. It is dedicated to keeping dentists informed about news, issues and clinically relevant information. 2026 • Volume 13 • Issue 3 Head of Governance & Communications Zelda Burt Managing Editor Sean McNamara Writer/Editor Sierra Bellows Gabriel Fulcher Pauline Mérindol Publications Specialist Michelle Bergeron Graphic Designer Carlos Castro Advertising: For all Display, Online and Classified advertising inquiries, or to request the 2026 CDA Media Kit, contact: Michelle Bergeron, CDA Publications Specialist mbergeron@cda-adc.ca CDA Essentials is available online at cda-adc.ca/essentials. All display and classified advertisements are included in the full PDF version, with direct links to corporate/ product websites. The online CDA Essentials generates >21,000 page views monthly. Contacts: Michelle Bergeron, CDA Publications Specialist mbergeron@cda-adc.ca CDA Essentials email: publications@cda-adc.ca Notice of change of address send to: reception@cda-adc.ca or publications@cda-adc.ca @CdnDentalAssoc canadian-dentalassociation Canadian Dental Association cdndentalassoc cdaoasis cda-adc.ca CDA Essentials is published by the Canadian Dental Association in both official languages. Publications Mail Agreement no. 40064661. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Canadian Dental Association, 1815 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6 Postage paid at Ottawa, ON. ISSN 2292-7360 (Print) ISSN 2292-7379 (Online) © Canadian Dental Association 2026 Editorial Disclaimer All statements of opinion and supposed fact are published on the authority of the author who submits them and do not necessarily express the views of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Publication of an advertisement or sponsored content does not necessarily imply that CDA agrees with or supports the claims therein. The editorial department reserves the right to edit all copy submitted to CDA Essentials. Furthermore, CDA is not responsible for typographical errors, grammatical errors, misspelled words or syntax that is unclear, or for errors in translations. Sponsored content is solely produced by advertisers. The CDA Essentials editorial department is not involved in its creation. CDA Board of Directors President Dr. Kirk Preston Dr. Todd Graham Saskatchewan Dr. Daron Baxter Manitoba President-Elect Dr. Jason Noel Vice-President Dr. Marc Mollot Dr. Joy Carmichael New Brunswick Dr. Jerrold Diamond Alberta Dr. Mélissa Gagnon-Grenier NWT/Nunavut/Yukon Dr. Lesli Hapak Ontario Dr. Paul Hurley Newfoundland/Labrador Dr. David Lim British Columbia Dr. Stuart MacDonald Nova Scotia Dr. Janice Stewart Prince Edward Island 3 Issue 3 | 2026 |
Contents The Canadian Dental Association Magazine 2026 • Volume 13 • Issue 3 12 15 CDA at Work 7 From the President: The Paradox of Doubt 8 Dr. Kirk Preston of Fredericton, New Brunswick, CDA President 2026–27 12 The CDA Seal: Reinforcing Trust in an Age of Doubt News and Events 15 Celebrating the Next Generation of Dental Researchers 19 National Snapshot of Oral Health Indicators 21 Dental Digest Issues and People 23 Beyond Coverage: The Real Measure of Success for the Canadian Dental Care Plan 26 Nicotine Pouches and Oral Health: What Dentists Need to Know Classifieds 35 Positions Available, Dental Faculty Positions and Advertisers’ Index Supporting Your Practice 29 Navigating Menopause for Dentists and Team Members 32 Local Anesthetics in Dentistry Obituary 38 Dr. John Hardie 26 32 5 Issue 3 | 2026 |
Dr. Kirk Preston president@cda-adc.ca The Paradox of Doubt In dentistry, having confidence is important. Patients place enormous trust in us, often at moments when they are feeling vulnerable. Yet one of the great paradoxes of professional life is that the most thoughtful practitioners are often the ones who carry a measure of doubt. At first glance, that may sound counterintuitive. We tend to associate leadership and expertise with certainty. But research from Oxford University suggests something different: doubt, when approached in a healthy and reflective way, can strengthen trust, deepen empathy and lead to better decision making. Oxford professor Michael Smets observes that doubt is “not the antithesis of confidence, but its foundation.” Smets co-authored a report1 based on interviews with more than 150 global CEOs, that found that many highly effective leaders experience uncertainty and anxiety, but use those feelings constructively to challenge assumptions, test ideas and make better decisions. Smets argues that the power of doubt lies in its ability to serve as a catalyst for judgment and learning. Rather than creating paralysis, constructive doubt encourages curiosity, reflection and humility. That idea resonates deeply with me as a dentist. We work in a profession that requires us to make decisions in the face of uncertainty, where outcomes are influenced not only by clinical skill, but by biology, human behaviour and other circumstances beyond our control. Early in my own career, when I was a general dentist, I pursued training in implant dentistry. After completing a mini-residency program, I came away with an unexpected realization: I had learned enough to understand how much I still did not know. Rather than discouraging me, that experience pushed me to continue learning and ultimately complete specialty training in prosthodontics. In hindsight, that uncertainty was not weakness, it was an opportunity for growth. I suspect many colleagues have had similar experiences. Healthy doubt can make us better listeners. It can encourage us to slow down, seek advice from our peers and communicate honestly with patients about risks and limitations. In my experience, openness builds trust far more effectively than pretending to have all the answers. Smets also highlights another important lesson for our profession—leadership today is shifting away from a traditional model of the infallible expert. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders were expected to always project certainty. But the pandemic forced leaders to make difficult decisions with incomplete information. The report notes that leaders who acknowledged uncertainty while remaining thoughtful and compassionate often earned greater public trust. Dentistry has always embodied these values. We balance science with human connection and expertise with compassion. At the same time, we must acknowledge that the emotional weight of dentistry is real. The pressures of practice ownership, patient care, financial stress and rapidly changing technology can contribute to burnout. That is why strong professional communities matter so much. Organized dentistry, mentorship and peer support remind us that we do not face these challenges alone. As dentists, we should never be afraid to continue learning or leaning on one another. A degree of doubt does not diminish our professionalism. In many ways, it reflects the conscientiousness and humanity that define our profession at its best. From the President 1. White A, Smets M, Canwell A, Sutherland F. The CEO Report: Embracing the Paradoxes of Leadership and the Power of Doubt. Oxford: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford; 2021. 7 Issue 3 | 2026 | CDA at Work
Driven by Purpose Dr. Kirk Preston of Fredericton, New Brunswick, is the new CDA president for 2026–27. Dr. Kirk Preston was born in New Brunswick, but he barely had time to arrive before he was elsewhere—the first of many moves and a geographical restlessness that would continue throughout his life. “My parents moved us to Newfoundland and Labrador when I was about 10 days old,” he says. His father was in the military, newly posted to CFB Goose Bay. Dr. Preston grew up in Labrador City, the eldest of six children, in a northern mining town where the culture was, as he puts it, “blue-collar, very much a ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality.” As a teenager on the competitive downhill skiing circuit, Dr. Preston was shaped by his coach, Renny Boshaw, a Quebec native who led the team with intensity and discipline. “When you speak about leadership, he embodied it,” Dr. Preston says. “He pushed you to your absolute limit, but always within a framework of unwavering support.” Under coach Boshaw’s guidance, the ski team competed across Canada and attended training camps overseas. When Dr. Preston was 15, he and his teammates were training on Smoky Mountain, just outside Labrador City, when he was caught in an avalanche. “I looked up and saw a wall of snow accelerating toward me,” he recalls. “I could see exactly what was about to happen, and I was completely powerless to stop it.” He was buried beneath the snow, pinned in place, with only one ski pole angled upward. The basket at the end of the pole protruded just enough for rescuers to spot it and dig him out. “Once you’re under the snow, you cannot move,” he says. “It’s as though you’ve been set in concrete.” At 16, Dr. Preston left Labrador City High School for the University of New Brunswick (UNB). “By 19, I was beginning my fourth year of university, which was somewhat atypical in my class,” he says. “For most of my undergraduate years, I was too young to get into a bar, so I devoted my time to studying.” At UNB, he completed a double major in chemistry and biology. Dr. Kirk Preston with his family (Back - l. to r.): Dr. Preston, Ruth, Russell, Jonathon, Stephanie and Tara. (Front - l. to r.): Rhonda, Todd and John. 8 | 2026 | Issue 3
After graduating in 1995, Dr. Preston purchased a dental practice immediately. He built a solo practice in Fredericton and ran it for nine years. During those years, his father joined the federal Department of Fisheries, and the family would relocate frequently for new postings. “For each of those four years, when I returned home at Christmas, it was to a different house, often in a community I’d never even visited before,” he says. Dr. Preston met Ruth during a summer in Newfoundland while completing his undergraduate degree. They would marry in 1985. He describes Ruth as both a partner and intellectual equal, someone whose academic ambition mirrors his own and whose steady support has made his many moves and evolutions possible. “She’s every bit as driven as I am,” he says, referring to her multiple academic degrees and professional accomplishments. “move forward with conviction and choose the path you genuinely want.” He was accepted into dental school at Dalhousie University in Halifax at age 30. “I stepped back into academia without difficulty,” he says. “It felt less like returning and more like continuing.” After graduating in 1995, Dr. Preston purchased a dental practice immediately. A Dalhousie professor connected him with a Fredericton dentist facing health issues who needed to sell. “There were no associate years, no gradual ramp-up,” he says. “I assumed primary responsibility from day one.” He built a solo practice in Fredericton and ran it for nine years. His involvement in organized dentistry began almost simultaneously. In his first year out of dental school— while also buying a house, purchasing a practice and hiring staff—he joined a geriatric dentistry committee with the New Brunswick Dental Society (NBDS), encouraged by colleagues including Dr. Daniel Violette, now registrar of the NBDS. “People often say they don’t have time for organized dentistry,” he says. “But I joined at one of the busiest points in my life.” After nearly a decade in general practice, Dr. Preston, Ruth and their infant son, Russell, relocated so Dr. Preston could pursue specialty training in prosthodontics at the University of Toronto (U of T). “I never seriously considered another specialty,” he says. The decision aligned with his temperament and his preference for working with older patients. “Prosthodontics offers an exceptional After graduating, Dr. Preston returned to Labrador City and took a position in the chemistry department at the iron ore mine. The work was highly technical and methodical: collecting samples from conveyor belts, assaying ore and preparing reports to confirm that shipments met commodity specifications. “It was shift work,” he says. “Technically engaging, but highly repetitive.” It didn’t take long for him to recognize that it was not where he wanted to build his future. After two years at the mine, Dr. Preston enrolled at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to pursue an education degree, then returned to Labrador to teach high school chemistry and physics, work he greatly enjoyed. He later moved into the provincial education department as a science coordinator, where he taught teachers. “If you were to look back at my high school yearbook, you’d see that dentistry was always the plan,” Dr. Preston says. He traces that decision back to Grade 7, after a difficult experience in the dental chair. “I remember thinking there must be a better way to deliver this kind of care.” A high school job-shadow placement in a dental office reinforced the instinct, he was drawn to the precision of the technology, the clinical environment and the balance between technical skill and meaningful interaction with patients. While others warned him about giving up a profession with a pension and stability, one colleague at the education department, Dr. Richard Payne, encouraged Dr. Preston to Dr. Kirk Preston at one of his practices in Fredericton, New Brunswick. President Profile
The family later returned to New Brunswick and expanded, not only clinically but operationally. Today Dr. Preston owns three dental practices along with three Mary Brown’s restaurants. The restaurant business reshaped how he thinks about operational systems. “There’s a procedure for everything,” he says. “Even slicing a tomato. There’s a page outlining exactly how it should be done.” That discipline migrated into his clinics. “We have consistent operational guidelines across all three practices. Patients can expect the same experience in each location,” he says. Dr. Preston served on the NBDS board, later on its executive, and rose to the presidency in 2016–17. He went on to serve as a member representative with the Canadian Dental Regulatory Authorities Federation (CDRAF) and eventually as a board member from New Brunswick with CDA. For Dr. Preston, organized dentistry was never peripheral, instead it was a parallel commitment, a way to contribute beyond his own practices while his career continued to evolve. A decade ago, Dr. Preston earned his private pilot licence, later adding instrument and night ratings. In Atlantic Canada, where ground travel can sometimes consume hours, flying compresses distance. “If I want to go to Halifax, I get in the plane and we’re there in Kirk and Ruth celebrating his graduation from the MBA program at Oxford University. breadth of practice. I can provide implants, crowns, bridges and complex restorative care. That range of work appealed to me.” After completing his specialty training, Dr. Preston briefly joined the faculty at the U of T. He would’ve stayed longer, but family considerations, specifically the challenge of raising a child in a big city like Toronto, pulled him back east. The family moved to Halifax, where Ruth earned her law degree and Dr. Preston taught part-time at Dalhousie’s faculty of dentistry while also working in private practice. “It’s difficult to do both things well,” he says of balancing teaching and full-time clinical work. He eventually chose to focus on private practice, though he credits his education background with shaping how he trains his dental team and communicates with colleagues. Dr. Preston successfully completed his private pilot’s license.
at Oxford,” he says. “You quickly recalibrate your expectations.” The standards were exacting, particularly in writing. “The scrutiny was meticulous—grammar, structure, argumentation,” he says. “Your work returns layered with critique.” The most enduring lesson, he says, was disciplined thinking expressed with precision. In April 2026, Dr. Preston became president of the Canadian Dental Association. He doesn’t frame leadership as a destination, but as work that needs doing. “I’ve never been drawn to the spotlight,” he says. “I’m far more comfortable doing the work. Give me a project, and I’ll see it through.” For someone who has survived an avalanche, had multiple careers and repeatedly returned to the classroom, that instinct—to stay curious and continue moving forward—has defined his life more than a title ever could. less than an hour,” he says. He’s flown to Newfoundland, PEI, Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto, landing at Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island. At home in Fredericton, however, he enjoys a different kind of journey. “I actually take the city bus to work,” he says, describing the daily conversations with his regular “bus buddies.” In a small city where most people drive, the choice feels right to him, a habit that keeps him grounded and connected to the community around him. A lawyer with a master’s in social work, Ruth owns her own law firm in Fredericton and oversees the operation of the Mary Brown’s restaurants. “Without her, I probably wouldn’t have accomplished half of what I’ve done,” Dr. Preston says. Russell, now in his early twenties, studies at Queen’s University and plans to pursue graduate work in molecular biology. “Imagine being able to engineer a protein that can cure a disease. These are the things that fascinate him,” Dr. Preston says. Dr. Preston’s father, now 90, also lives in Fredericton. He visits his father daily when he is in town, often bringing dinner prepared by Ruth. Dr. Preston’s five younger siblings have built accomplished lives of their own—an artist, a nurse, an international development professional, a retired sibling living outside London, England, and a younger brother who is a senior engineering executive. In 2023, Dr. Preston found time to complete an MBA at Oxford University, stepping away from his clinics for nearly a year. What struck him most was the academic culture. “A grade in the mid-70s represented excellence President Profile Dr. Preston and his son, Russell, at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Dr. Preston, Ruth and the dental team at a holiday party. 11 Issue 3 | 2026 |
For more than 50 years, the CDA Seal has been a benchmark of credibility, indicating that a product’s oral health benefit claims have undergone rigorous scientific evaluation and meet established standards. But today’s environment presents new challenges. The information patients receive from social media, influencers, and AI can be a confusing mix of accurate data and unfounded claims, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. The new CDA Seal resources acknowledge these realities and positions the CDA Seal not just as a symbol, but a tool that dentists and the dental team can integrate into conversations with patients. “The members of the Seal Committee act independently of CDA to verify if the products are truly efficacious in their oral health benefit claims by reviewing the science in an evidence-based unbiased approach,” says Dr. Michael Wiseman, chair of CDA’s Seal Committee. Quick Reference Guide for Dentists The package of CDA Seal resources are designed to be easily integrated into the dental office environment, supporting professional understanding and patient The CDA Seal: Reinforcing Trust in an Age of Doubt In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and patients can be exposed to a deluge of oral health benefit claims that lack any evidence. To help combat this, the CDA Seal Program ensures that verified oral health benefit claims appear on an array of consumer products to help patients and providers cut through the clutter. A new collection of CDA Seal resources was created in April 2026, to respond to a rapidly shifting information ecosystem and is intended to help dentists provide clear guidance to patients and instill confidence in their professional recommendations. engagement. It includes a guide outlining the Seal validation process and product categories. This resource clarifies the assessment standards and explains the scientific basis of the Seal. Dentists can use this guide to confidently respond to patient questions, such as “What does this Seal actually mean?” or “How do you know this product works?” 12 | 2026 | Issue 3
Posters and Patient Materials The package also includes back-of-office and patientfacing materials designed to reinforce the value of the CDA Seal. A back-of-office poster highlights the program’s scientific rigour and standards, giving the dental team a better understanding of the Seal. There is also a counter card for patients, featuring QR codes linking to the CDA Seal resources, turning your waiting areas into educational spaces. Together, these tools support consistent communication within the team while giving patients easy access to credible, evidence-based information. The counter card and patient-facing poster are found in the polybag of this edition of CDA Essentials magazine. By reinforcing the value of the CDA Seal as a trusted, evidence-based resource, the initiative helps ensure that oral health recommendations to patients remain grounded in science. Ultimately, the message is both simple and powerful: when a product carries the CDA Seal, dentists and patients can trust that it will deliver on any claim or claims validated through the CDA Seal process. To access the full list of products that have earned the CDA Seal, visit: cda-adc.ca/seal Remember Products don’t automatically earn the CDA Seal. The manufacturers have to prove that their claims meet rigorous requirements. The CDA Seal helps consumers know which oral health benefit claims made by a manufacturer have been independently reviewed and are supported by scientific evidence. Patient-facing poster Access a Zip file of all CDA Seal resources, downloadable from a desktop or laptop computer, at: bit.ly/4u4pvB7 Counter card 13 Issue 3 | 2026 | CDA at Work
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Celebrating the Next Generation of Dental Researchers For more than 50 years, the CDA/Dentsply Sirona Student Clinician Research Program has provided a national platform for Canadian dental students to showcase their research, exchange ideas and contribute to the future of oral health care. Organized by CDA and generously sponsored by Dentsply Sirona Canada and the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA), the program offers a unique opportunity for one undergraduate dental student from each of Canada’s 10 dental schools to participate in a national research competition. This year’s event took place at the CDA/Manitoba Dental Association convention in Winnipeg on April 17. The student researchers presented and discussed their work before a panel of qualified judges and convention attendees. Following their presentations to the judges, the students had the opportunity to display their research posters in the convention hall. “I’ve always enjoyed meeting the students and watching their excellent presentations,” says Dr. Heather Carr, PFA, Canadian Trustee. “It is my hope that more members of the profession will see their presentations, and I was pleased to see them present on the exhibit floor at the CDA/MDA convention. They are certainly informative and present unique perspectives on current research and issues in our profession.” The experience highlights scientific achievement, but also strengthens the student researchers’ communication skills, professional confidence and commitment to advancing oral health care through research. “The student clinician program has always been one of my favourite events at the annual conventions,” says Dr. Daron Baxter of Dauphin, Manotiba, a CDA Board member who served as a competition judge for the first time this year. “I was so impressed by the calibre of research by our future colleagues in the profession.” 15 Issue 3 | 2026 |
(L. to r.) Joel Pluymert, Dentsply Sirona; Callahan Doughty of Western University, program runner-up; Rolando Dallarte, Dentsply Sirona. (L. to r.) Dr. Bruce Ward, CDA past-president, with Diego Alejandro González Poleo of Laval University, winner of this year’s program. Winning Student Clinicians This year, top honours were awarded to Diego Alejandro González Poleo, a third-year student at Lavel University, who earned first place for his research on Selective Antitumor Activity of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. “Participating in the event was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey so far. Being able to present my research at the national level and meet students from dental faculties across Canada was incredibly inspiring,” says González Poleo. “Seeing the amount of talent, curiosity and innovation among the next generation of dental professionals made the experience especially motivating.” González Poleo was grateful for the support and mentorship he received from Dr. Abdelhabib Semlali, from the Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale (GREB), and the faculty of dental medicine at Laval University. For many student-participants, the experience serves as an introduction to lifelong involvement in research, education and clinical innovation. “Research has become an essential part of my journey in dentistry,” says González Poleo. “It has given me the opportunity to explore my curiosity, think critically and contribute to projects that could eventually have a meaningful impact on patient care. I believe research plays a major role in shaping the future of dentistry, and I would encourage any student or clinician to get involved if they have the opportunity.” Callahan Doughty, in third-year dentistry at Western University, earned runner-up honours for his research on the Effects of Print Angle and Aging on DLP Dental Resin Properties. Dentsply Sirona provided the $2,000 and $1,000 awards for these two winners respectively. “Participating in this year’s event was an incredible experience and an honour to represent the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry on a national stage,” says Doughty. “Presenting alongside such talented student researchers from across Canada was both inspiring and motivating. I’m grateful to Dr. Santiago Cobos and the FORUS research program at Western for their guidance and support throughout the project, as well as to my co-authors and faculty mentors who contributed to the research.” 16 | 2026 | Issue 3
2026 CDA/Dentsply Sirona Student Clinician Research Program participants with Dr. Heather Carr, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Canadian Trustee. (Top - l. to r.): Lauren Williams, Yannis Karamitsos, Dr. Carr, Arman Danesh, Diego Alejandro González Poleo. (Bottom- l. to r.): Emily Wang, Dina Jarjur, Malea Penner, Callahan Doughty, Hasti Gholami. Celebrating all Students Through the contributions of the PFA Oral Health Foundation, all participating student clinicians were invited to attend the PFA luncheon, where each receives a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their dedication and academic achievement. “The Pierre Fauchard Academy is an international honour society comprised of dentists who are acknowledged for their professionalism and contributions to the dental profession,” says Dr. Carr. “These scholarships are fully funded by the Canadian PFA members through their dues and attendance at the convocation and awards luncheon. As the Canadian PFA Trustee it was an honour and pleasure to attend the CDA/ Dentsply Student Clinician Awards dinner on behalf of PFA Canada.” Mr. Rolando Dallarte and Dr. Rainer Seemann from Dentsply Sirona presented Certificates of Recognition to this year’s student clinicians, acknowledging their work, innovation and contribution to the profession. “The event highlights the best aspects of collaboration, ideas exchange and the future of oral health research,” says Dr. Baxter. “It’s inspiring to see the students engage with their projects, hone their communication skills, and have the opportunity to learn from each other.” By encouraging curiosity, collaboration and scientific excellence, the student research event continues to inspire the next generation of dental leaders. “These student clinicians are the leaders of tomorrow and most deserving of this recognition of their efforts,” concludes Dr. Carr. 17 Issue 3 | 2026 |
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National Snapshot of Oral Health Indicators For the first time since 2007–09, the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) included direct, clinical measures of oral health. Based on indicators collected directly from Canadians between November 2022 and December 2024, these survey findings provide information that is rare in national surveillance: objective, examination-based oral health data rather than selfreported estimates. Direct measures not only sharpen diagnostic accuracy at the population level, they also reveal patterns that may otherwise remain obscured in patient-reported data. “Beyond improving accuracy, direct oral health measures in the CHMS create new opportunities for research by allowing us to link oral health data with broader health indicators, such as cardiovascular markers, and better understand how oral health is connected to overall health,” says Costa Papadopoulos, expert on health policy, research and information at CDA. “Research like Hu et al’s study on the relationship between missing teeth, mortality and hospitalization can only be conducted because direct oral health measures provide robust clinical data that can be linked with other health datasets.” (see “New Study” p. 20) One of the clearest positive outcomes revealed in the CHMS data is the continued decline in edentulism. Among Canadians aged 60 to 79, the proportion with complete tooth loss has dropped dramatically, from 22% in the 2007–09 CHMS, to just 8% in CHMS 2022–24. Overall adult edentulism has also been halved, from 6% to 3%. This shift likely reflects decades of change in clinical philosophy, from extraction-based care toward preservation, as well as improvements in preventive and restorative dentistry. For clinicians, it reinforces a reality already visible in practice: more patients are aging with their natural dentition intact. Across all age groups, the prevalence and severity of caries have remained largely unchanged since the 2007–09 CHMS Cycle 1 results. z Children (6–11): 57% have at least one affected tooth, the same as previous CHMS data. z Youth (12–19): 58% affected, virtually identical to previous survey data. z Adults (20–79): 93% have experienced caries, with an average of 9.7 affected teeth. Recent CHMS results provide national oral health data for the first time in over 15 years. The findings highlight progress alongside persistent gaps that have implications for oral health care access and delivery in Canada. 19 Issue 3 | 2026 |
Notably, the 2022–24 CHMS cycle introduced baseline data for children aged 1 to 5, with 17% already showing signs of decay. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, caries remains nearly universal in adulthood and highly prevalent in childhood. For the first time, the CHMS included the PUFA index, a clinical tool used to measure the serious consequences of untreated dental caries. The findings are striking: 7% of children and youth show signs of advanced untreated decay, while 22% of adults are affected. New Study: Tooth Loss Linked to Hospitalization Risk A recent population-based cohort study1 using CHMS data provides new insight into the relationship between oral health and broader health outcomes in Canada. By linking CHMS Cycle 1 (2007–09) clinical oral health data with national mortality and hospitalization records, researchers followed participants for up to a decade to examine whether missing teeth are associated with adverse health events. The study found that tooth loss was significantly associated with an increased risk of hospitalization. After adjusting for key factors such as age,sex,smoking and diabetes, individuals with five or more missing teeth had a 76% higher risk of all-cause hospitalization and more than double the risk of hospitalization for circulatory conditions.Associations were also observed for respiratory-related hospitalizations. In contrast, while missing teeth appeared to be linked to higher mortality in unadjusted analyses, these associations were no longer statistically significant after accounting for socioeconomic and health-related factors.This suggests that tooth loss may function less as an independent risk factor for mortality and more as a marker of broader underlying health and social conditions. Importantly, the study highlights missing teeth as a cumulative indicator of lifelong oral disease, often reflecting the effects of dental caries and periodontal disease.The findings reinforce growing evidence that oral health is closely connected to general health and health system use, particularly in relation to chronic disease and hospital care. While the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) captures lifetime disease experience, PUFA highlights active neglect and severe progression and includes Pulpal involvement, Ulceration, Fistulae and Abscesses. These are not early lesions, but late-stage pathologies that point to barriers in utilization, affordability or awareness. The periodontal data reveal a more complex trend. Although many adults still fall within a clinically “healthy” probing range, the distribution has shifted. There has been a sharp decline in shallow pockets (0–2 mm) from 45% to 13% in 2022–24, an increase in 3 mm pockets from 34% to 51% and growth in 4 mm and 5 mm pockets, indicating early to moderate disease. Overall, more than one in three adults now present with pocket depths of 4 mm or greater, up from one in five in the 2007-09 CHMS. This trend aligns with international data suggesting a rising burden of periodontal disease. Bleeding on probing adds another layer to the periodontal picture. Over 80% of adults exhibit bleeding around at least one tooth, with the highest prevalence among those aged 20 to 39 (90%). This raises an important clinical paradox: younger adults, often assumed to be a lower risk demographic, are showing high levels of active inflammation. Whether this reflects oral hygiene behaviours, irregular dental attendance or broader socioeconomic factors, it suggests an opportunity for earlier intervention from oral health care practitioners. Taken together, the recent CHMS findings present a dual narrative: although there has been clear progress The CHMS included the PUFA index, a clinical tool used to measure the serious consequences of untreated dental caries. The findings are striking: 7% of children and youth show signs of advanced untreated decay, while 22% of adults are affected. Statistics Canada has more details on the oral health component of the 2022–24 CHMS: bit.ly/49oKozE 1. Hu XF, Moharrami M, Murphy K, Clarke J. Missing teeth, mortality, and hospitalization: A population-based cohort analysis from the Canadian Health Measures Survey and linked databases. Health Rep. 2025;36(10). in tooth retention and reductions in edentulism, dental caries remain highly prevalent across all age groups and there are emerging concerns around periodontal health and the burden of untreated disease. 20 | 2026 | Issue 3 News and Events
The Canadian Section of the International College of Dentists (ICD) recognized the next generation of dental leaders during its annual convocation on April 17, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The event took place in conjunction with the Manitoba Dental Association/CDA joint convention, to honour those who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and meritorious service with Fellowship in the College. In a ceremony that included Dr. Julio Rodriguez, ICD Global President, the Section installed 37 new Fellows, and two Honorary Fellows, Linda Berg from Manitoba and Tony Patey from Newfoundland. Three Fellows were also honoured with ICD recognitions: Dr. Aaron Kim (ICD Humanitarian Award), Dr. Heinz Scherle (ICD Distinguished Service Award) and Dr. Drew Smith (ICD Presidential Citation). The gathering also marked a significant leadership transition, as Dr. Terrie Logue was sworn in as the Section II ICD Convocation in Winnipeg The Dental Industry Association of Canada (DIAC) is encouraging dental practices to maintain standard inventory levels and avoid stockpiling dental products to support fair distribution and stable supply across Canada. In a statement released in May 2026, DIAC noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could impact key international trade routes and contribute to longer transit times, increased logistics complexity and periodic fluctuations in costs for certain product categories. DIAC stated that although any global supply chain disruptions may raise concerns, inventory management in dental practices should continue to align with actual clinical consumption to avoid creating unintended systemwide effects, such as: • Distorting normal distribution and allocation patterns • Contributing to localized and avoidable supply pressure DIAC Guidance on Global Dental Supply Chains • Increasing excess inventory risk within individual practices • Amplifying uncertainty across the broader supply chain To support a stable and reliable supply-chain environment, DIAC encouraged dental professionals in Canada to: • Align product orders with clinical consumption • Maintain standard inventory practices • Avoid stockpiling or precautionary over-ordering DENTAL DIGEST See: bit.ly/4dPDhSn President for 2026. Dr. Lisa Bentley, who completed her term as president at the event in Winnipeg, now assumes the role of registrar for ICD Canada. See: icd-canada.org 21 Issue 3 | 2026 |
The Canadian Society for Disability and Oral Health (CSDH) held its inaugural Student Essay Contest in Fall 2025. Open to all students in oral health or related fields who are also CSDH student members, the essays aim to address situations where barriers to oral health care exist for people living with disabilities and to propose solutions to remove barriers and improve access. Three essays were selected for recognition and presented with their awards in January 2026: • First Place—Bridging the Gaps in Down Syndrome Care: Clinical, Orthodontic, and Bioethical Perspectives, Dr. Arezoo Ensafi, graduate orthodontic resident, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University • Honourable Mention—A Dental Student’s Investigation into Disability and Dental Care Accessibility, Sophia Kim, 4th Year dental student, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University • Honourable Mention—Autistic Masking and Unmasking: A Person-Centered Approach to Oral Healthcare, Emily-Marie Roberts, postgraduate student, Mike Petryk School of Dentistry, University of Alberta CSDH is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization advocating for equitable access to oral health care for people living with disabilities. CSDH members include dentists and dental specialists, dental hygienists, researchers, educators, students and disability advocates. The essays can all be viewed on the CSDH website: csdh.ca/essays Recognizing Excellence in Disability Scholarship (L. to r.) Dr. Drew Smith, faculty advisor, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University; Dr. Arezoo Ensafi, 1st place winner; Dr. Carlos Quinonez, director, Schulich School of Dentistry, Western University. (L. to r.) Emily-Marie Roberts, honourable mention; Dr. Cheryl Arntson, associate professor, Mike Petryk School of Dentistry, University of Alberta. (L.to r.) Dr. Smith; Sophia Kim, honourable mention; Dr. Quinonez. 22 | 2026 | Issue 3
Beyond Coverage: The Real Measure of Success for the Canadian Dental Care Plan The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has changed the national conversation about oral health. Anil Menon, BDS, MBA, MSc, FRSPH, FRCD(C) Dr. Menon is the division head of Dental Public Health and Community Dentistry and an assistant professor at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba. For decades, dental care in Canada occupied an uneasy place: clearly important to health and well-being, yet still largely financed outside of public health care. Although it’s still not formally part of the Canada Health Act, the federal CDCP has now begun to change this perception and reality. Millions of Canadians have now been approved for coverage under this plan, millions have already received care and tens of thousands of oral health providers are participating in the plan. I believe it’s one of the most significant developments in Canadian oral health policy in generations. That progress deserves recognition. But it also raises a more important question: how should success really be measured? Coverage is a start, but it is not the finish line. A public dental program can expand eligibility and approve applications but still fall short of providing true access for many of the people it is meant to serve. Qualifying for coverage does not automatically mean being able to get care in the real world. Some patients may still struggle with transportation, mobility, taking time away from work, finding a participating provider, understanding what the plan covers or navigating administrative requirements. Public expectations may also exceed what any federal program can realistically include, creating frustration among practitioners and eligible patients alike. That distinction between coverage and getting access is not just semantic. It goes to the heart of whether the CDCP is achieving its intended goal. Early evidence suggests that financial support can make an important difference, especially for families in Canada who previously delayed care because of cost. But it also shows that affordability is only one part of access. There are other barriers that remain just as real: whether services are available nearby, whether clinics can accommodate patients’ circumstances, whether families understand the program and how it is structured, and finally, whether care feels attainable and acceptable in daily life. Oral Health Inequities Affordability matters, and for many Canadians, the CDCP addresses the long-standing cost barrier. But cost was never the only driver of oral health inequities in Canada. Although enrollment is an important early indicator, it should be complemented by measures of how well the program is working for people who continue to face other barriers. A parent may welcome public dental benefits and could still struggle to book and keep appointments due to lack of adequate transportation, childcare, work schedules, or even confusion about what is covered A public dental program can expand eligibility and approve applications but still fall short of providing true access for many of the people it is meant to serve. by Dr. Anil Menon 23 Issue 3 | 2026 |
by the plan and what needs to be paid out-of-pocket. A senior may be eligible for care but unable to travel independently to a dental office. A person living in a rural or remote community may technically have coverage but still face limited provider availability. Someone with low health literacy or limited English may not know how to apply, renew or even make use of the plan. In each of these cases, coverage exists, but access remains incomplete. This is why the real measure of success for the CDCP is not simply how many people are enrolled in the program. It’s more about whether the program is reducing long-standing barriers for those who have historically gone without care. This is especially important for seniors and other vulnerable groups. For healthier, mobile older adults living independently, the CDCP may open the door to long-delayed care. But for frail seniors, those living in long-term care (LTC), or those with mobility, cognitive or medical challenges, the reality is more complicated. Even a well-designed program may need ongoing refinement to better reach those with the greatest oral health needs. The same caution applies more broadly. If the CDCP is to succeed as a public health program, it must work not only for those who are easiest to reach but also for those who face multiple and overlapping barriers. That includes low-income families, rural residents, people with disabilities, newcomers and older adults whose oral health needs are often linked to broader medical and social vulnerability. How to Measure CDCP Success There is also an implementation story that deserves more attention. In its current form, the CDCP is essentially a stand-alone dental care benefit, with some level of coordination with existing social assistance programs in some provinces. But even a strong public program depends on how well it is understood and supported at the point of care. Patients need clear information. Providers need confidence in how the plan works. Administrative processes need to be manageable. When uncertainty persists, even a well-intentioned policy can lose momentum where it matters most: in dental offices, community clinics, dental schools or LTC settings. Public programs achieve their full impact when patients can use them easily, and providers can work with them effectively. This is why, as the CDCP matures, it will be increasingly important to consider not only participation numbers but also meaningful access indicators. Are people receiving preventive care earlier or only coming in once the disease is advanced? Are those with the greatest burden of untreated disease actually receiving care? Are patients able to maintain continuity or are they receiving one-time treatments? Are frail seniors, rural residents and others facing structural barriers benefiting to the same extent as healthier and more mobile enrollees? Are access gains being felt equally across communities? These questions go beyond application counts and participation totals and will be important for understanding the program’s longer-term impact. As the program evolves, so too should the way its success is measured and understood. The good news is that Canada is finally in a position to ask them. Public dental policy is no longer a theoretical discussion. The CDCP has brought oral health to the forefront of national conversations about access, prevention, aging and equity. That alone is a major achievement. It has created momentum, public awareness and an opportunity to build a more inclusive oral health care system. These will be the real measures of success. The real measure of success for the CDCP is not simply how many people are enrolled in the program. It’s more about whether the program is reducing long-standing barriers for those who have historically gone without care. We love to hear from our readers— the dentists of Canada. This commentary was submitted to CDA Essentials. Please send any articles, editorials, commentaries or opinion pieces and we will review and consider your submission for publication. Email: publications@cda-adc.ca The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions and official policies of CDA. 24 | 2026 | Issue 3 Issues and People
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